writing

About the Book Title: A Year in the Life of the Secret Garden | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters | Publication Date: November, 2014 | Publisher: Audrey Press | Pages: 144 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 99 Book Description: Award-winning authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters have co-created A Year in the Secret… Read more »

Now that we’re enjoying crisp autumn days, have you put away your blender or Vita-Mix? Have you stopped making smoothies as your thoughts turn to steaming bowls of oatmeal? While there’s no denying that hot breakfasts can be a wonderful way to start the day when there’s a chill in the air, you still might… Read more »

  I would like to add my voice to those congratulating Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan for winning the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote and protect girls’ rights to education. Seventeen-year-old Malala, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012, is the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Prize…. Read more »

Enjoy this update of a previously run post ~     Do you know that the first Sunday after Labor Day is National Grandparents Day? This special day is meant to celebrate the important bonds between grandparents and grandchildren. You can mark this day in whichever way suits your family best. Grandparents might give and/or… Read more »

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Nili Yelin, A.K.A. the Storybook Mom. A Wilmette resident and NU graduate, Nili is known throughout the Chicagoland area for her interactive style of storytelling and ability to communicate her passion for literature to her listeners. She has an extensive background in performing and developing her own… Read more »

The other day a book came to my attention that is just perfect for me. Actually, I think it might just be perfect.

Sadly today, the celebrated storyteller, poet and activist Maya Angelou passed away. She was a woman of great courage, strength and spiritual beauty who inspired many with both her words and actions.

Readers of my blog know that I place great value on relating family history to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On occasion, I have quoted from Bruce Feiler’s book, The Secrets of Happy Families, in which he advises us to tell our story: The most important thing you can do may be the easiest of all…. Read more »

I’m excited to tell you that I have written a picture book released today! A couple weeks ago, Audrey Moon, editor of my local online newspaper (which publishes my blog posts), interviewed me about my book, GG and Mamela. She asked some interesting questions, and I hope I furnished some interesting answers. I decided to… Read more »

Creative nonfiction is the fastest growing genre in children’s publishing. Simply put, it is non-fiction that reads like fiction. Although everything is factual and actual, these books neither look nor read like a textbook. Instead, you’ll find expressive, colorful—even lyrical— language employed. These stories feature a strong protagonist, interesting settings and an exciting narrative arc…. Read more »